Province gives Brock $33.5M for new biosciences complex

Feb. 14, 2008

The Ontario government could not possibly have shown more affection for Brock University than it did on Valentine’s Day with the announcement of a $33.5-million investment in the planned Health and Biosciences Research Complex.

“I can’t thank you enough for this gift of love for our students,” said Jack Lightstone, President. “And we at Brock will reciprocate with our own expression of affection,” he added, noting the University will commit to redoubling its efforts to educate undergraduate and graduate students, and to advance cutting-edge research and creativity.

But more than that, the University will also commit to active innovation, particularly in partnership with the community and related industries.

The centre, with an estimated cost of $90 million, will help Niagara transition from an economy based on manufacturing to one that is high tech focused and knowledge based. “Our investment in this modern resource complex is ensuring that students in the Niagara region are prepared for success in the future, while we create new jobs today,” noted John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, during the funding announcement. “We are taking a major step to improving the long-term quality of post-secondary education in Niagara, while providing jobs in the short term.

The funds come as part of the government’s $1.4-billion investment in strategic infrastructure to encourage economic activity, create short-term jobs and help municipalities while enhancing Ontario’s competitiveness.

In earlier media interviews, Lightstone noted areas of study in the centre would include health and wellness, new forms of energy, biomanufacturing and so-called “green” science. Research laboratories and classrooms would be housed in an 180,000-square-foot facility. Besides cutting-edge research into new pharmaceuticals and disease treatments, the facility could also be a satellite centre for the McMaster University Medical Centre.